TAMPA, Florida – The United States and Martinique’s only CONCACAF Gold Cup meeting was 14 years ago, when the Americans pulled off a 2-0 win thanks to Brian McBride’s first-half brace.
In that competition, the groups consisted of only three teams each. The win improved the U.S. to 2W-0D-0L, while Martinique had one Group C game remaining against El Salvador, which it lost 1-0 and then departed for home.
2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup – First Round
July 13, 2003: Gillette Stadium – Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA (Att: 8,780)
Martinique-USA 0-2 (0-2)
Brian McBride 39’, 43’
Martinique: Eddy Huerlie; Judes Vanton, Patrick Percin (Jean-Michel Michaud 68), Yann Girier-Dufournier, David Dicanot, Jose Gordon (Dominique Reyal 82’), Migue Duragrin, Stepane Suedile, Willy Padoly (Gael Germany 75’), Jean-Victor Lavril, Charles-Edouard Coridon.
USA: Kasey Keller; Frankie Hejduk, Carlos Bocanegra, Cory Gibbs, Bobby Convey, Steve Ralston, Richard Mulrooney, Claudio Reyna (Earnie Stewart 46’), Eddie Lewis (25-Pablo Mastroeni 65’),Landon Donovan, Brian McBride (Greg Vanney 86’).
Referee: Roberto Moreno (Panama)
Times have changed and the sides will square off again Wednesday night, with Martinique (1-0-0, 3) sitting atop the Group B table, two points ahead of the U.S. (0-1-0, 1).
Here are some storylines to watch:
- The USA is winless in its last three Gold Cup games, the longest such streak in the team’s competition history. Can the trend be snapped Wednesday?
- U.S. head coach Bruce Arena has stated he’ll make changes from the squad that played Panama to a 1-1 draw on Saturday. What will be the impact of those modifications?
- Martinique is looking to win two straight Gold Cup games for the first time. Is it ready to make history?
- The USA’s only group-stage loss came at Raymond James Stadium – the venue for tonight’s game – six years ago against Panama. Can Martinique in the Canaleros’ steps?